So I bought one of these Magnavox TV/Radio combos for like 4 bucks at a thrift store and everything works on it.
https://www.radiomuseum.org/r/magnavox_bf3909bk01.html
Since its an analog tuner and antenna of course it doesn’t get any TV signal but Im trying to find ways of updating this to make it usable. I think it would be cool just to keep around in the garage and a fun project.
The problem I have run into so far is how on Earth can you convert this to a digital antenna and tuner?
Basically what I am after if possible is the ability to use the same box, the same knobs and switches and be able to roll through the frequencies to receive channels. Also the ability to go out in the woods away from internet or my house and receive signals.
1st obstacle is how exactly do you make an analog CRT receive digital frequencies? So far I have found 2 options.
https://www.raspberrypi.org/products/raspberry-pi-tv-hat/
I have not read enough on this one yet to know whether or not this will work without internet connection but still a good option.
2nd option I have found is any of these options.
This would require some serious case modding to get the electronics to fit inside.
I will update with pictures in progress but for now will be mostly research. I have only been able to find 1 other person doing something similar.
As great as broadcasting your own analog TV signal sounds you restrict yourself to your home and have to be extremely wary of legal issues with the FCC.
More to come. I would like to find a way to make this as easy as possible because I am sure I can’t be the only one that would get a kick out of using these again. Even for just nostalgia purposes.